To remove the trans axle, first raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands, then if there is a leak, replace the front pump seal/O-ring. Make alignment marks on the drive plate and crankshaft using a center punch or paint to ensure correct alignment during reinstallation. Remove the bolts securing the drive plate to the crankshaft, using a screwdriver to wedge in the ring gear teeth if the crankshaft turns. Take off the drive plate, noting the orientation of any spacer present between it and the crankshaft. Inspect the drive plate for cracks and clean the mating surfaces of both the drive plate and crankshaft. If the crankshaft rear seal is leaking, replace it before reinstalling the drive plate. Position the drive plate against the crankshaft, reinstalling the spacer if it was originally present, and align the previously made marks. Some engines may have an alignment dowel or staggered bolt holes for correct installation. Apply thread locking compound to the bolt threads before installation. To prevent the drive plate from turning, wedge a screwdriver in the ring gear teeth and tighten the bolts in sequence to the specified torque, gradually working up to the final torque in three or four steps. The remaining steps for installation follow the reverse order of removal.